Buying Advice 2014 John Deer X500 w/ HDAP tires - Good Buy?

dcap24 · Mar 16, 2016

Hi gents/ladies ~ I am in the market to purchase a life-long tractor for my 1+ acre property (mostly hilly terrain with very little obstacles). Was offered a deal from a JD dealer to buy a new (leftover) 2014 JD X500 w/ 48" Deck and HDAP tires on the rear for $5100.00. Is this a deal worth taking, or not so much since it's a leftover model? Never purchased a tractor of any sort in the past and I don't know much about the 2014 X500's in relation to 2015/16's, so your advice is much appreciated.

Thanks!!

s219 · Mar 16, 2016

I'd suggest looking at the MSRP on the John Deere website, and then look at the discount offers they are running for leftovers. They still list the 2015 prices and there are $300 discounts on leftover 2015 and older models (so that includes 2014).

I looked at an X500/48" last week, a 2015 model, and they wanted $5350 for it after rebate and a local discount.

Gary Fowler · Mar 16, 2016

I think my brother in law paid around $6000 for a new model X500 last year so that may be an acceptable price for a left over model. I don't think year model changes much or makes much difference on lawn tractors or any tractor for that matter except those affected by tier 4 engine changes. It just seems next years models are a few hundred higher than last years model with no visible change to the tractor.

dcap24 · Mar 16, 2016

Thank you Gary & s219! This is very helpful. I was quoted $5200 for a new 2015 X500, but the dealerships in my area do not have any more leftovers. So my options are a 2014 model year for $5100 or a 2016 X570 (X500 comparable) for $5700. Since it sounds like it is essentially the same tractor, minus a few cosmetic/non-performance differences, then I think it makes financial sense to go with the 2014 and save the $600. If there is something I'm not putting into consideration, please let me know. Thanks again!

s219 · Mar 16, 2016

The 2016 model has an improved mowing deck. Not sure if it's worth $600 to you, but if you can compare side to side it might help.

dcap24 · Mar 16, 2016

You're right. I have test drove the X570 w/ new deck. Haven't seen any real-world reviews on the new deck yet so it's hard to say if it will be a noteworthy improvement over the older deck. Decisions....decisions....